Copycat McDonald's Chicken McNuggets Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

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Why take a trip to the golden arches when you can make the nuggets at home? This copycat recipe gets you perfect nuggets every time, fried to just the right golden brown that you remember.

Copycat McDonald's Chicken McNuggets Recipe | CDKitchen.com (1)


serves/makes:

ready in:

1-2 hrs

9 reviews
1 comment


ingredients

1 egg
1 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon MSG (Accent)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
4 chicken breast fillets, each cut into 6-7 bite sized pieces
vegetable oil, for frying

directions

Place the egg in a shallow bowl and beat it well. Stir in the water until blended.

In a plastic zip-top bag, combine the flour, salt, onion, powder, MSG, black pepper, and garlic powder. Shake to mix the ingredients.

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound to an even thickness (about 1/4-inch thick) with a meat mallet. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and trim off any excess skin or fat.

Add the chicken pieces to the flour mixture and shake well to coat then shake off any excess flour. Remove the chicken to a paper towel.

When all the chicken pieces are coated in flour, individually dip them in the egg mixture to coat then let excess egg drip off them. Place them back in the bag with the flour. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.

Shake the bag well to coat the chicken then place the bag - chicken and flour included - in the freezer for an hour. Place the egg mixture in the refrigerator, covered, while the chicken is chilling.

After the chicken has chilled, repeat the egg/flour process again to double coat them.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 375 degrees F. When the chicken is ready, add the McNuggets to the oil in small batches (do not crowd the pieces) and deep fry until brown and crispy.

Remove the McNuggets from the oil and drain on brown paper bags (do not use paper towels or they will make them soggy). Repeat with remaining chicken pieces letting the oil come back up to temperature between batches if necessary.

Serve the McNuggets with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, buffalo, hot mustard, or other dipping sauce.e.

recipe tips


Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to prevent soggy or oily nuggets.

Season the flour mixture generously for a flavorful coating.

Do not overcrowd the frying pan or deep fryer for even cooking and crispy results.

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or pickle juice before coating and frying.

Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking.

Serve with a variety of dipping sauces.

Double coating the nuggets creates a thicker, crispier crust.

For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture.

common recipe questions


What is the purpose of pounding the chicken breasts?

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and keeps the nuggets tender and juicy.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as peanut or canola oil.

What is MSG and can I omit it?

MSG is a flavor enhancer that adds umami to the nuggets. You can omit it if desired, but it may affect the overall flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free flour and make sure that all the other ingredients, including the seasonings, are gluten-free as well.

Can I bake the McNuggets instead of frying?

While baking is a healthier option, the texture may not be as crispy as frying. To bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake the nuggets on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I know when the McNuggets are cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F when properly cooked. Alternatively, cut into a nugget to ensure there is no pink and the juices run clear.

How long can I store leftovers?

You can store the leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coating will start to become soggy over time so they are best eaten fresh.

How can I reheat leftover McNuggets?

To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for a crispier finish.

Can I freeze the McNuggets before frying?

You can freeze the coated nuggets on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes cooking time.

Are the McNuggets suitable for kids?

Adults and kids alike enjoy these McNuggets. You can customize the seasonings to taste.

Why chill the chicken and egg mixture before frying?

Chilling helps the flour adhere better to the chicken, creating a crispier coating when fried.


nutrition data

355 calories, 13 grams fat, 25 grams carbohydrates, 32 grams protein per serving.



more recipes like mcdonald's chicken mcnuggets

MCDONALD'S BIG MAC SAUCE (SPECIAL SAUCE)

MCDONALD'S HOT MUSTARD SAUCE FOR NUGGETS

MCDONALD'S SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE FOR NUGGETS

MCDONALD'S FILET-O-FISH

MCDONALD'S LOBSTER SANDWICH

MCDONALD'S CHICKEN SANDWICH


reviews & comments

  1. recipefun REVIEW:
    January 16, 2021

    Are these exactly like McDonald's? Of course not. They have commercial equipment that makes their oddly addicting nuggies. Are these close? Yep. Best you can do with REAL ingredients (well, aside from the MSG).

  2. Roni REVIEW:
    August 30, 2020

    My family and I love this recipe. More nuggets in our lives!!

  3. Jo REVIEW:
    August 29, 2020

    McNuggets are celery flavored. These didn't taste like them. But they weren't bad

  4. Maddie REVIEW:
    July 14, 2020

    They were good but tasted nothing like the real ones. I’ll still make them they are amazing but still get the McDonald’s ones. Thanks for the recipe. Hi

  5. Guest Foodie REVIEW:
    January 25, 2020

    it was ok

  6. Rougue REVIEW:
    January 21, 2020

    Great recipe, however tastes nothing like McDonald's Chicken McNuggets. According to my husband this tastes almost exactly like Popeye's Chicken recipe.

  7. I know the secret ingredient REVIEW:
    December 10, 2019

    McDonald's nuggets have a hint of celery in them. Next time you get some break it open and smell it and you will notice it. These are still really good nuggets but I did leave out the MSG.

  8. Dee REVIEW:
    January 20, 2019

    They are delicious but tasted nothing like the mcnuggets. Only reason i gave 4 stars is for taste and I found I needed more flour mixture.

  9. GiselleDM REVIEW:
    July 16, 2018

    These were BETTER than those nasty chicken mcnuggets which have texture like they are made from fake chicken. I think the flavor was very much like the fake ones but the texture is like real food (the way it should be). For the flavor, the MSG is crucial (unfortunately). If you skip the MSG I could see why someone wouldn't think they tasted like the original.

  10. Craig January 9, 2018

    These were good chicken nuggets, however they tasted nothing like McDonald's chicken nuggets.

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Copycat McDonald's Chicken McNuggets Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the answer to the chicken nuggets math problem? ›

What is the largest number for which it is impossible to purchase exactly that number of McNuggets? The answer is 43. Solution For any desired number if it is divisible by 3 it can easily be made with 6 and 9 packs, except if the number is 3 itself.

What is the filler in McDonald's chicken nuggets? ›

Chicken McNuggets: White Boneless Chicken, Water, Food Starch-Modified, Salt, Seasoning (Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Salt, Wheat Starch, Natural Flavoring [Botanical Source], Safflower Oil, Dextrose, Citric Acid), Sodium Phosphates, Natural Flavor (Botanical Source).

What are the ingredients in McDonald's Chicken McNuggets? ›

Ingredients: EITHER: Chicken Breast Meat (45%), Water, Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Rapeseed), Maize Flour, Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT Flour (contains Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Starches, Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT Semolina, Breadcrumb (contains Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT), Natural Flavourings (contains ...

What is the answer to McDonalds math? ›

Multiplication comes before addition, so you have to multiply one packet of fries by one drink and then add that to one burger. Thus, 5 + (1x10) = 15. It's enough brain-teasing math to work up an appetite.

How do you find the answer to a math word problem? ›

Problem-Solving Strategy
  • Read the word problem. Make sure you understand all the words and ideas. ...
  • Identify what you are looking for.
  • Name what you are looking for. ...
  • Translate into an equation. ...
  • Solve the equation using good algebra techniques.
  • Check the answer in the problem. ...
  • Answer the question with a complete sentence.

What are the ingredients in chicken nuggets? ›

Chicken, water, wheat flour, contains 2% or less of the following: brown sugar, corn starch, dried garlic, dried onion, dried yeast, extractives of paprika, natural flavor, oat fiber, salt, spices, wheat starch, white whole wheat flour, yellow corn flour. Breading set in vegetable oil.

Did McDonald's change their chicken nugget recipe? ›

The popular chef, who has more than 200,000 followers, was answering a comment from another TikTok user about the change the fast-food giant had made to their Chicken McNuggets formula – with a move away from using some 'dark meat' to everything being all-white.

How chicken nuggets are made gross? ›

Many fast-food chains use a mixture of flour, sugar, salt, and other additives in their breading. Some even add ingredients like dimethyl polysiloxane, a type of silicone used in cosmetic products, to prevent the oil from foaming during frying.

What gives McNuggets its flavor? ›

The formed chicken nugget is breaded three times — first in a light batter, then in a breading with celery and white pepper, and finally in a thick tempura batter that contains leavening agents to aerate the batter. This gives the McNugget the crispy, yet airy texture and lightly spiced flavor.

What are the 4 different McDonald's nuggets? ›

You might have noticed that McDonald's chicken nuggets are similarly shaped each time you order them. In fact, McNuggets come in just four shapes: the bell, the ball, the boot, and the bow tie, sometimes referred to as the bone.

Can diabetics eat chicken nuggets from McDonald's? ›

Avoid Fried Foods Like French Fries and Chicken Nuggets

Fried foods are usually breaded, which can add up to lots of carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and calories, says Kimberlain. Too much fat in your diet can lead to weight gain, she adds, which can worsen type 2 diabetes.

Are McNuggets 100% chicken? ›

McDonald's Chicken McNuggets®® are made from 100% chicken breast meat. However, as a percentage of the total recipe when the batter, seasoning and oil to cook the nuggets are taken into account, chicken meat constitutes 45% of the total Chicken McNugget®, the other ingredients account for the additional 55%.

What is the healthiest thing to eat at McDonald's? ›

  • Best Hearty Breakfast: Fruit & Maple Oatmeal. McDonald's. ...
  • Best Burger: Plain Hamburger. McDonald's. ...
  • Best Drink: Unsweetened Iced Tea. Courtesy McDonalds. ...
  • Best Breakfast Sandwich: Egg McMuffin. McDonald's. ...
  • Best McCafe Item: Premium Roast Coffee. McDonald's. ...
  • Best Sandwich: Filet-O-Fish. ...
  • Best Happy Meal: 4-Piece Chicken McNuggets.
Jan 30, 2024

What kind of oil does McDonald's use? ›

Once in our kitchens, we cook them in our canola-blend oil so you can have them crispy and hot—just the way you like them. Want to hear more about our fry ingredients? Get the down low on how we flavor our fries.

What is the chicken math method? ›

In its simplest terms, chicken math is the addition to your flock in quantities and maybe even other species that are beyond what you originally planned. They're so little and cute at first, but then we realize that chicks grow fast and need more space. These little ladies spent the winter growing out in a greenhouse.

What is the chicken math saying? ›

Chicken math is the curious and incomprehensible process by which a flock of 5 backyard chickens grows to become 35 in three years. Chicken math stretches the meaning of "A few" to it's very limits. This is a just a few chicks, honey. Chicken math can also be applied to chicken coops and incubators.

Is there an answer to the chicken or the egg question? ›

It's pretty safe to say that the egg came first, because if there had been no egg, there would have been no chicken. Chickens are birds, and we know that birds evolved from reptiles, so we can say that the first bird hatched from an egg that was laid by a reptile that was very similar to, but not quite, a bird itself.

What is the answer to 3 3 * 6 2 only for genius? ›

Question: 3 – 3 x 6 + 2. Multiplication first: 3 – 18 + 2. Left to right: -15 + 2. Answer: -13.

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